Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-01-13
TAKEN TO THE COURTS.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF THE
INDIANA IMBRoGLIo.

Smith Begins Quo Warranto Proceedings
Against Robertson-A Scheme on Foot
to ExpeI All the Republican Senators
What Robertson says-An Uncanny
Situation-The Jerseyites Again.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Jan ia resolu-
ton containing a formal demand from Lieu
tenant Governor Robertson for the chair of
the senate, was rejected Wednesday morning
by strict party vote, and the contests Of
Harris, Kennedy, Mcdonald and Shroyer,
Republicans, and Mcclure, Democrat, were
referred to the elections committee. Whether
the Republican senators will present pro-
test to the action of the Democratic majority
in rejecting Lieutenant Governor Robert
sons demand for the presiding officers chair
has not been definitely settled. 1t was the
purpose to do SO, but Wednesday afternoon
the president protein of the senate filed in
the circuit court of this country an infor-
nation in quo warranto as well as an appli-
cation for injunction and custer against the
lieutenant governor. The allegations are
partly those of his first suit for Injunction
against Secretary of State Myers, to prevent
the transmission of the election returns to
the speaker of the house. Smith was defeated
in that suit. He now in addition sets up that
Robertson has unlawfully assumed the title
and duties of the Office of lieutenant gov
ernor. The defendant is required to answer
Thursday and show cause why restraining
order should not be granted pending argu-
ment II is expected it will at once reach the
supreme court which will, it is supposed,
render an early decision.
Judge Ayres refused TO issus tine restrain
ing order as prayed for without notice, but
granted writ upon defendant to appear at
O'Clock Thursday morning and show cause
why such restraining order should not issue
pending final hearing of the case The in
stitution Of this proceeding has revived pop
ular excitement ever the situation, and il
was the all absorbing topic of conversation
Wedn esiay night in the crowded hotel lob
bies. The situation is regarded by clear
headed observers as more critical than at any
time since the pending complications arose,
and there are grave apprehensions of what
a few days may bring forth
Col Robertson was seen by a correspond
ent after the adjournment of the Repub-
Iican caucus. He said he should appear by
| attorney to the SIN tn proceedings, when q
demurrer would be entered to the jurisdiction
of the court. If the court accepted jurisdic-
| ton, he would make a vigorous and, he
| thought, a successful defense. He expressed
| the opinion that the court had no authority
in the premises, and added that a contingency
would probably arise, should a restraining
| order issue, which would give the court an
| opportunity to commit him to jail for con-
| tempt, or at least to make an effort to do so
| This means that Col. Robertson intends to
| preside over the joint convention in the
house on the 10Th inst, in disregard of the
| rule of the court, if such order is issued,
| and take the consequences.
| The Democratic caucus adjourned at mid
night, having been in session since O'Clock
| The proceedings were highly important. and
| promise a sensation of no small magnitude.
Resolutions were adopted by unanimou:
vote reciting the adjournment Of the senate
| from Friday last until Tuesday the proceed
| ings in the hall of representatives on Mon
| day with reference to the canvass of the vote
| for lieutenant governor. and the attendanc,
of the nineteen Republican senators there
upon, in violation OF the order of the senate
| and instructing the senate committee or
elections to investigate the matter and re
| port whether such senator's should be ex
| pelled for their action in the premises. Thf
resolution will be adopted in the senate Fri
| day, and it is expected the election commit
tee will report later in the week in favor oil
| the expulsion of the entire Republican mi.
| nority